Why is self-reflection important for us from a spiritual perspective? When we think God has failed us, it’s common to feel frustrated and confused. It is usually because we don’t know the whole story. So, what are the benefits of self-reflection? It empowers you, ensures you are valued, and gives you the self-awareness you need to quickly achieve your potential.
However, if you want to ascend to greatness, then do what those who are successful do. They reflect on surprise, frustration, and failure. Make it part of your lifestyle to self-reflect.
The apostle Paul, the great writer of biblical reflections, wrote to the Galatians that “if a person thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let every person prove their own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, without comparing himself to someone else.” It is not healthy to compare ourselves to other people.
It is said that “honest self-reflection opens our mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom.” Self-reflection is the gateway to freedom. It also brings greater appreciation and enjoyment. We begin to enjoy spending time with our own mind, and we enjoy reflecting on our experience.
Founding father Thomas Paine said, “The real (person) smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt speaking about self-reflection said, “Friendship with one’s self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”
A lack of self-reflection creates spiritual blindness and can be a ruinous affliction. But being unsure of what’s happening doesn’t always mean we are in trouble. If we are carefully following the direction of God, he will use times of uncertainty or painful disappointment to test, instruct, and strengthen us.
So, when we endure loss, disappointment, or confusion, God and prayer can provide comfort as we self-reflect. The Lord’s presence brings us love and strength but also when the Lord deems the time is right, he will provide information we need to move forward with profound reassurance. Self-reflection is similar to looking into the mirror. We can discover a lot about ourselves. So Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give UP!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
